Two hours later, they'd started their trek to the north. Pacey patted Thunder's neck, murmuring softly to the animal as he led him toward the small stream where he'd paused to let the horses drink. They were nowhere near the safety of the cave he had stashed their supplies, and the danger of being caught was still thick in the air. He was reluctant to stop, even for a few minutes, but this was the last opportunity for fresh water until they reached the cave.

Joey was quiet as she led her horse to the stream, lost in her own thoughts. He frowned faintly at the all too serious look on her face. He never should have allowed her to come with him. Scanning the small clearing, he allowed himself to relax a bit and moved up stream a little to drink some of the cool water himself, splashing a little on his face.

Joey absentmindedly stroked her horse's neck while it drank from the stream, her hazel eyes indecipherable.

"You should drink something," Pacey said softly.

She continued to stroke the horse's neck unseeingly, while her eyes began to water. Silent tears made their way down her cheeks and yet, she did not move and did not stop what she was doing.

"Jo?" he moved to her side, a concerned frown painting his features as he reached for her.

Her lips parted with a quiet cry and her eyes shut for a moment. She opened them with a blink and shook her head, before turning to Pacey. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

He lifted his hand to her face, brushing away the wetness on her cheeks, "What is wrong?"

She blushed faintly. "Nothing."

His head tilted just to the side, "You can tell me anything."

"We should really be going." She turned to her horse and began to lead the mare from the stream.

He didn't move, "There's still time, you can go back."

"I can't go back," she stressed.

"You can. The wedding will only be slightly delayed, and you will still have your family when the day is over."

"I will not marry Lord Winchester."

He looked down at the leaves at his feet. "Very well."

She brushed her brown hair behind her ear and glanced out over the horizon. "We should be going."

He caught her hand and forced her to look at him. "The dangers here are nearly insurmountable, Joey. You may never see your family again if you do not turn back now."

She set her gaze in determination. "That is a risk I must take then. I will not leave you."

He gazed steadily into her eyes for a few tense moments. "Your concern is misguided."

"It is not."

"I cannot honorably allow you to put yourself in danger for my sake," he frowned.

"I do not care."

"But I do."

She turned away from him with a sigh. "It is much too late for this now."

"You're right," he turned back to Thunder. "Far too late."

Joey winced suddenly and exhaled a sharp breath. "We must go."

"What is it?" He heard the strain in her voice, and turned back to her.

"They're close," she breathed hoarsely. "I can feel it."

"Then we ride," He said grimly, launching himself into the saddle. He waited until Joey was mounted before gesturing east again. "Follow the stream until you reach the waterfall. Ride due north from there until you reach another river. Follow it west to the first clearing. I shall meet you there."

She bit her lip unsurely before nodding. "Okay."

He sidled Thunder up beside her horse and caught her hand. Bringing it to his lips, he murmured, "I love you and be careful."

Her eyes softened and she leaned over pressing her lips firmly against his before pulling away. "You too."

"Wait two hours, no more. If I am not there, promise me you'll return to Camelot."

She straightened. "I will."

He nodded once, smiling for her and then kicked Thunder to a gallop. He wheeled the horse back they way they had come, disappearing into the thick forest in mere moments.